On the Panel: Mary Anne Hobbs

Taking a rare break from hunting out the freshest talent, this highly respected radio DJ / journalist explains what grabs her attention

To encourage the next generation of creatives and athletes, G-Shock and Dazed have teamed up this year for the Casio G-Shock 30th Anniversary Awards, which celebrate and reward aspiring individuals in fashion, art, music and sport. Renowned radio DJ and journalist Mary Anne Hobbs is one of the music judges, alongside The Big Pink's Milo Cordell, Dazed deputy editor Tim Noakes and music journalist Hattie Collins, and will be nominating and judging emerging music talent to determine a winner for the category's £3,000 reward. Here we speak to Hobbs about what she's looking for...

I listen to music on average for about ten hours a day, a rainbow spectrum of different textures and flavours, so I have a complex knowledge of where the bars are set

Dazed Digital: How did you get involved in the project and why did it appeal to you? Mary Anne Hobbs: It's exciting to find a project genuinely committed to giving a platform to new talent, especially when times are so testing, with over a million young people unemployed. Hopefully awards like this can be a real spur and an inspiration, as well as rewarding the winners with the kind of practical prizes that can really boost their careers.

DD: What do you think you bring to the judging panel as an experienced DJ and music journalist, and will you be aiming to reflect your personal tastes? Mary Anne Hobbs: I listen to music on average for about ten hours a day, a rainbow spectrum of different textures and flavours, so I have a complex knowledge of where the bars are set. I won't allow my personal tastes to interfere with the judging process! The winner should be chosen on merit alone.

DD: As a long-time champion of new musical talent, what are you looking for in the winning entry? Mary Anne Hobbs: Something that strikes at the very core of my soul.

DD: Have any of the entries caught your eye so far, and if so, why? Mary Anne Hobbs: Thefft, Paleman and Royce Wood Junior are all artists that I feel are uniquely gifted. I haven't heard any other entries yet.

DD: What else are you working with/on that you're most looking forward to next? Mary Anne Hobbs: I'm writing again. I thought I should capture some of the stories of my life before they become very fuzzy in the ether! Not certain yet what I'll do with them...